The song, a collaboration which included vocals from Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and more, was initiated to raise funds for United Support of Artists for Africa (USA for Africa) to help famine-relief efforts in Ethiopia, which experienced unusual drought. The final studio session was epic because it was the first of its kind to incorporate such a large scale of diverse artists.

It was released on March 7, 1985, and became the first certified multi-platinum song, receiving Quadruple Platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America. Additionally, "We Are the World" raised more than $63 million for humanitarian aid in Africa and the U.S.

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